Man recovers after dog attack

Friday

Feb 24, 2012 at 6:08 AMFeb 24, 2012 at 6:11 AM

From Staff Reports

VICTORVILLE • One dog was shot and two pit bulls were placed with the Victor Valley Animal Protective League after they violently attacked a man and a San Bernardino County firefighter, Victorville city officials said Thursday.

According to authorities, the dogs were most likely euthanized after being quarantined.

A woman driving in the area of Brentwood and Forest Hill roads Jan. 28 saw the three dogs mauling a 61-year-old man, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Victorville station and Victorville city reports.

The woman pulled her van up to the man, opened the door and allowed the victim to jump into her vehicle. She then quickly drove away from the dogs, according to a news release.

Firefighters and sheriff 's deputies were called to the area, sheriff's officials said.

While trying to stabilize the victim and contain the dogs, one firefighter was bitten on the leg, according to Tracey Martinez, spokeswoman for the Fire Department.

The dogs lunged at several officials, one witness reported, and eventually deputies shot and killed one of the dogs, according to sheriff 's officials.

Rescuers transported the injured man and the firefighter to a local emergency room, where they were both treated. The firefighter was released the same day, Martinez said, but it appears the man was held overnight.

The dogs had been able to get out of a nearby yard, which had not been properly closed.

The owner of the remaining dogs willingly turned them over to Victorville Animal Control officers, who immediately placed the two animals in quarantine, officials said. After the 10-day quarantine period was over, they were taken to VVAPL.

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